Tom Hardy wants to be Marvel’s Punisher

The bait is out there. Tom Hardy has let the world know he wants to be The Punisher.

Speaking to Collider, the breakout star from Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and most recently the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road, expressed his desire to play Marvel's brutal vigilante.

“I want The Punisher… I want The Punisher, or Splinter Cell, I want something… I don’t know what I want… I’m not big enough to be The Punisher, I’m 5’9” [Laughs]. Frank Castle, I would love it. Is that him, isn’t it?”

Admittedly, I don't know how tall Frank Castle is, but if Tom Cruise can still get parts with his height I see no reason why Hardy can't play one of Marvel's darkest characters. He certainly has the résumé for it. In addition to the intensity Hardy brings to the big screen — which would be perfect for the emotional struggle Castle faces — he also has plenty of experience in action roles, having played Bane in The Dark Knight Rises.

Sure, many comic fans are disappointed in Hardy's dropping out from DC's upcomign Suicide Squad movie, but I can't help but think he'd make a brilliant Frank Castle.

Unfortunately, we don't know what Marvel's plans are with The Punisher. Seeing as how the previous three Punisher films have all been relative disappointments, it'd be understandable if the company is hesitant in giving the character another shot. Then again, the recent success of Daredevil on Netflix opens up an entirely new outlet for The Punisher. Given the niche appeal for The Punisher — thanks in part to his darker and more violent tone — a Netflix release could be the best format for the character.